Elevator Speech Assignment
ITLS5000/6060: School Library Media Foundations and Information Management
Write an elevator speech about school librarianship explaining what it is, why it is important and
why you are excited about it. Your audience is friends and family or your teacher colleagues and
principal. Your speech should be 100 words or shorter. If you are in ITLS6060: In addition to
your elevator speech, prepare a tweet that conveys the same information. Tweets are 140
character posts on Twitter, which is a micro blogging service (http://www.twitter.com).
Elevator Speech
How are your school’s test scores? Could they be higher? In this information age, libraries are
the hub of the school learning. The use of libraries is increasing, but funding is not. To cut costs,
schools are getting rid of certified librarians. Librarians do more than check out books: we
facilitate access to information, lead communities, teach, partner, and provide guidance in using
materials and technology. Studies show that test scores are higher in schools with certified
librarians.
Tweet
Your school could have low test scores if they don’t have a certified librarian. We do more than
check out books, we elevate students.
(Margo Tackett, ITLS6060, Fall 2012)
Elevator Speech
Certified librarians in our school libraries are critical for student achievement. Research shows
that students in good school libraries learn more, get better grades, and score higher on
standardized test scores. Studies across the United States show clear evidence of the connections
between student achievement and the presence of school libraries with qualified school library
media specialists. Not only do these certified specialists help foster a love for reading, they
embrace and channel the rapid growth of technology into tools that can be used to advance
student learning, and to help students become life-long learners.
Tweet
Research shows students in good school libraries learn more, get better grades, and score higher
on standardized test scores.
(Sidney Miller, ITLS6060, Fall 2012)
Elevator Speech
Today’s library program is a school’s strongest link to the ever-changing outside world. As
librarians, we promote the joy of reading and connect students and teachers with resources that
maximize learning. Research shows that schools with certified librarians achieve higher test
scores in core subjects. We teach students research and reading skills that help them think
critically and prepare for lifelong learning in the digital age. We stay current with information
sources, and guide patrons to the most useful material. Collaborating with other teachers, we
obtain and manage content that supports curriculum, and encourages students to read
independently.
(Zach Poulter, ITLS5000, Fall 2012)
Elevator Speech
Today the school library offers more than just enthusiasm for reading and checking out
books. Students also learn the important skills of finding correct information, learning how to use
it, and then applying it to their own lives. School librarians now provide the opportunity for
students to use technology to access information skills, and then to utilize them at home and
school.
The library also supplies teachers with another place for collaboration in teaching students. A
certified librarian working in your school provides teachers with better connections and support
for their curriculum development. Check out your school library!
(Leslee Hurd, ITLS5000, Fall 2012)
Elevator Speech
If you want to promote the mission of your school and improve the learning of your students you
need to have a certified librarian as part of your instructional team. Studies have shown that this
can improve the test scores in your school. A school librarian is a leader in your school
community who specializes in collaborating between teachers, students and curriculum.
Implementing the power of the library in your school is a pathway for success for student
achievement and learning; it is palpable and measurable and it is possible through employing a
certified school librarian.
(Pam Oles, ITLS5000, Fall 2012)